NBA Power Rankings: Contenders, Pretenders & Teams in Tank Mode

NBA Power Rankings: Contenders, Pretenders & Teams in Tank Mode

As the NBA season enters its final stretch, the line between true contenders, pretenders, and tanking teams is becoming clearer. Let’s dive into the latest rankings and see where each team stands.

True Title Contenders

1. Boston Celtics (42-16, LW 2)

The Celtics’ championship hopes start with defense, and they’ve regained their elite form, ranking top 10 in defensive efficiency over their last 10 games. Offensively, their ball movement has improved, leading to more assisted field goals. Key matchups against Cleveland and Denver this week will test their mettle.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-10, LW 3)

Cleveland holds a commanding lead for the No. 1 seed in the East. Donovan Mitchell is in the MVP conversation, while Evan Mobley is a serious Defensive Player of the Year contender. However, skeptics remain. A win over Boston on Friday could silence the doubters.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (46-11, LW 1)

The Thunder’s experimental lineup with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein has yielded a +17.5 net rating in limited minutes. However, their recent collapse against Minnesota raises concerns about playoff resilience, particularly when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faces intense defensive pressure.

Second-Tier Contenders

4. Los Angeles Lakers (35-21, LW 8)

Luka Doncic has revitalized the Lakers, but it’s their league-best defense over the last 15 games that has propelled them up the rankings. LeBron James has stepped up defensively, earning All-Defensive Team consideration.

5. Denver Nuggets (38-20, LW 4)

The Nuggets’ nine-game win streak was impressive but came against sub-.500 teams. Upcoming matchups against Milwaukee, Detroit, and Boston will provide a better measure of their championship credentials.

Playoff Hopefuls

6. Golden State Warriors (31-27, LW 14)

Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, the Warriors boast the NBA’s best defense (104.4 defensive rating over the last seven games). Butler and Draymond Green are anchoring a unit that makes Golden State a dangerous first-round opponent.

7. New York Knicks (37-20, LW 6)

Back-to-back blowout losses to Boston and Cleveland exposed a significant gap between the Knicks and the East’s elite. Defensive liabilities from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns remain a concern for playoff matchups.

8. Indiana Pacers (32-24, LW 10)

The Pacers’ offense is rolling, but their inability to protect the paint (allowing 74 points inside vs. Denver) raises questions about their playoff viability. Can they get enough stops to let their transition attack thrive?

9. Memphis Grizzlies (38-20, LW 5)

A 2-3 road trip highlighted their defensive struggles, ranking bottom 10 in defensive efficiency over the last 15 games. They need a strong showing against the Knicks to rebuild confidence.

10. Houston Rockets (36-22, LW 7)

Jabari Smith Jr. is back, but Amen Thompson remains in the starting lineup, which has worked well. Thompson has averaged 16.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over his last 20 games, making a strong case for extended minutes.

Play-In Contenders

11. Milwaukee Bucks (32-25, LW 11)

Losing Bobby Portis to suspension is a setback. Kyle Kuzma is still adjusting, averaging 15.3 points but struggling from deep (29.3% 3P). The Bucks need him to find his rhythm for a deep playoff push.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves (32-27, LW 9)

With Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo nearing return, coach Chris Finch faces a tough decision—stick with Naz Reid as a starter or reinstate Randle? Chemistry and fit will dictate Minnesota’s playoff trajectory.

13. Detroit Pistons (32-26, LW 16)

Detroit has already surpassed its combined win total from the last two seasons (32 vs. 31). Cade Cunningham’s emergence and J.B. Bickerstaff’s coaching have the Pistons pushing for a top-six playoff seed.

14. Los Angeles Clippers (31-26, LW 12)

Injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ben Simmons have hurt. With Minnesota and Golden State surging, the Clippers’ hold on the No. 6 seed is shaky. A defensive resurgence is critical to avoid the play-in.

15. Sacramento Kings (29-28, LW 13)

The Kings’ inconsistency continues. They followed a blowout loss to the Warriors with a 42-point win over the Hornets. With seven of their next nine games on the road, they must find stability to maintain a play-in spot.

Tank Watch: Who’s Eyeing the Lottery?

22. Portland Trail Blazers (25-33, LW 24)

Portland has been competitive in February, going 6-4 with a top-10 defense. Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson provide optimism for the future.

23. Brooklyn Nets (21-36, LW 25)

Despite D’Angelo Russell’s shooting struggles, Brooklyn has gone 7-3 in its last 10. Coach Jordi Fernandez has his team competing, but the lottery remains their likely destination.

24. Toronto Raptors (18-40, LW 26)

The Raptors have the NBA’s easiest remaining schedule, making them a spoiler threat. They’ve recently beaten the 76ers and Suns while pushing Miami to overtime.

25. Philadelphia 76ers (20-37, LW 23)

Paul George summed it up: “We’ve shown no sign of a team that will compete.” With Joel Embiid’s knee under evaluation and Eric Gordon out for the season, it’s time for Philly to focus on draft positioning.

26-30: The Bottom Five

New Orleans Pelicans (15-43, LW 29) – Zion Williamson still provides highlights, but wins are scarce.
San Antonio Spurs (24-32, LW 21) – The focus is on Gregg Popovich’s health and Victor Wembanyama’s long-term development.
Utah Jazz (14-43, LW 27) – Evaluating young talent like Keyonte George is the priority.
Charlotte Hornets (14-43, LW 28) – Their lone road win in eight games came in a rescheduled contest vs. the Lakers.
Washington Wizards (10-47, LW 30) – Jordan Poole’s bounce-back season (21 PPG) makes him a potential trade piece despite his hefty contract.

As the playoff picture comes into focus, contenders are separating from the pack while lottery-bound teams shift their priorities. Stay tuned for more NBA updates as the postseason nears!